Andrew Deeks is having an eventful exit from of University College Dublin

There is criticism of UCD for having a  Confucius Institute, and President Deeks defence  of it. Thus the Irish Times editorialised, “staff funded and directed in part by a notoriously authoritarian regime, however well-meaning and notionally independent they may be, cannot be expected to present students with an unvarnished and critical account of that state’s political system.”

UCD also copped criticism last week for its response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, initially expressing, “concern with the situation … and in particular with the violation of international law and the unnecessary and tragic human suffering and loss of life.” There was a “clarification” a day later, “UCD deplores and condemns the actions of Russia in invading and attacking Ukraine. This act of military aggression is a violation of international law and is completely unjustified.”

Professor Deeks may well be looking forward to a quieter time in his new job  when he starts next month. Murdoch U has no Confucius Centre and under Jane den Hollander’s astute interim leadership is controversy-free.